TCJE Press Releases


Press Contact: For all media inquiries, please contact Madison Kaigh, Communications Manager, at mkaigh@TexasCJE.orgor (512) 441-8123, ext. 108.


 

Formerly Incarcerated Leaders to Gather for Community-Building Event in San Antonio

On December 30, a group of formerly incarcerated and justice system-impacted Texans will convene in San Antonio. The event, “From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration,” is organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC).

Read the rest of this press release here.

Texas Center for Justice and Equity Releases 2023 Bill Analysis Guide While Acknowledging Need for Deeper Gains

Today, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) released a guide to around 40 bills that passed into law during the 2023 session of the Texas Legislature. The majority of the new laws go into effect on Friday, September 1. These bills span youth and adult justice—including court processes and defense, probation and treatment options, incarceration and conditions of confinement, parole and reentry, and other relevant issues.

Read the rest of this press release here.

Youth-Led Coalition to Close Texas’ Youth Prisons Will Gather at State Capitol

On the opening day of the Texas Legislature’s 2023 session, a group of young people, formerly incarcerated organizers, advocates, and organizations will gather for a rally and advocacy day. The event is hosted by the Finish the 5 Coalition, which is advocating to close Texas’ inhumane youth prisons and instead invest in kids and communities. More information is available on the event registration page.

Read the rest of this press release here.

Texas’ First Family Reunification Cases Move Forward

Soon, two Texas families will be reunited with their children after regaining custody this fall. The reunification is possible thanks to HB 2926, a bipartisan bill signed into law following the 87th(R) Texas Legislative Session, which created a pathway for parents who have lost their parental rights to petition the court to reinstate them.

Read the rest of this press release here.

Formerly Incarcerated Leaders to Gather for Community-Building Event in Austin

On December 3, a group of formerly incarcerated and justice system-impacted Texans will convene in Austin. The event, “From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration,” is organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC) and partners.

Read the rest of this press release here.

“Finish the 5” Policy Plan to Close Texas’s Youth Prisons

Today, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) released a policy brief outlining a path to closing Texas’s five youth prisons by 2027. “Finish the 5: Our Journey to Zero Youth Prisons in Texas” includes a history of abuse in Texas’s youth punishment system and policy recommendations to close all five facilities while prioritizing child and community safety. 

Read the rest of this press release here.

Formerly Incarcerated Leaders to Gather for Community-Building Event in Austin

On Saturday, July 2, a group of formerly incarcerated and justice system-impacted Texans will convene in Austin. The event, “From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration,” is organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC) and partners.

Read the rest of this press release here.

New Report Explores Intersections of Incarceration and Motherhood

A report released today by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) highlights the experiences of mothers in Texas prisons and jails. “Motherhood and Pregnancy Behind Bars: Texas Must Rethink How It’s Treating Mothers and Families” urges leaders to protect the lives and dignity of currently incarcerated women while taking real, viable steps to keep people out of the criminal legal system altogether.

Read the rest of this press release here.

Analysis Explores How the Houston Chronicle’s Coverage of the Local Criminal Legal System Misinforms the Public

A new report evaluates the Houston Chronicle’s coverage of bond reform and crime stories. The report, “Materially Misleading: How the Houston Chronicle’s Coverage of Bond Misinforms the Public,” was produced by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) and authored by Elaine Hennig and Jay Jenkins. The analysis follows a November 2021 report tracking coverage by six local television stations.

Read the rest of this press release here.

Drug Policy Report Highlights Failure of War on Drugs in Texas, Promise of Harm Reduction and Public Health-Based Strategies

Today, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) released a new report, “Reversing the War on Drugs in Texas: Prioritizing REAL Public Health and Safety for Texans.” The report, released during National Public Health Week, details the failures of the state’s existing drug policy and outlines solutions that decriminalize drug use and prioritize health and dignity for drug users. 

Read the rest of this press release here.